Personal immigration

Make the purpose of your visit
easy to understand.

Clear preparation for family, tourism and business visits where purpose, funding and intention to return must be demonstrated carefully.

Choose an enquiry starting point

All personal immigration services

VISIT VISAS

A visit application is strongest when its purpose, timing, funding and supporting evidence form a clear and consistent picture. We assess the application from both the visitor’s perspective and the way a decision-maker is likely to examine it.

Information reviewed4 September 2026

VISIT PURPOSES

Start with what you plan to do in the UK.

Different activities can carry different conditions or evidence requirements. We check whether the Standard Visitor route is appropriate and whether a visa, electronic travel authorisation or another route is needed.

Family and tourism visits

Visiting relatives or friends, taking a holiday or combining a personal visit with other permitted activities.

Business visits

Attending meetings, interviews, conferences or undertaking other specifically permitted business activities.

Short study and examinations

Studying for a permitted period, sitting an examination or undertaking another allowed academic activity.

Specialist visit purposes

Private medical treatment, certain permitted paid engagements and other activities with additional requirements.

WHAT WE ASSESS

Six questions behind a well-prepared visit application.

Purpose and permitted activities

We define the main reason for travel and check that every planned activity is allowed under the proposed visitor route.

Intention to leave

We consider how the proposed trip, return plans and wider circumstances demonstrate a genuine temporary visit.

Personal and economic circumstances

Work, study, family responsibilities and other commitments outside the UK can be relevant to the overall picture.

Funding and accommodation

We check who will pay, whether the available funds are credible and sufficient, and where the visitor will stay.

Travel and immigration history

Previous travel, compliance and refusals are reviewed so they are presented accurately and any concern is addressed.

Applicant and sponsor consistency

Where someone in the UK is providing support, both sides of the evidence should agree about the relationship, plans and costs.

EVIDENCE PLANNING

Evidence should support the application, not contradict it.

The documents should match the purpose, dates, finances and personal circumstances stated in the form. The most useful evidence depends on the individual visitor and proposed activity.

Purpose and itinerary

Evidence explaining why the visit is taking place, the proposed dates and the activities planned.

Finances

Records showing the source of funds, regular income and how the trip will be paid for.

Home-country circumstances

Relevant evidence of employment, study, family responsibilities or other continuing commitments.

Sponsor support

Where applicable, evidence of the relationship, invitation, accommodation and the sponsor’s ability to provide support.

Travel history

Passports and information showing previous international travel and compliance, where available.

Activity-specific evidence

Business invitations, course details, medical information or other documents required for the stated purpose.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Useful questions
before you begin.

Do I need a visit visa?

That depends on nationality and individual circumstances. Some travellers need a Standard Visitor visa, while others may need an electronic travel authorisation or may travel without either. The visitor requirements still apply even where a visa is not required in advance.

Is an invitation from someone in the UK enough?

An invitation can help explain the purpose, relationship and arrangements, but it does not replace evidence about the visitor’s own circumstances, intentions and finances. The application is considered as a whole.

Can I work during a visit?

The visitor route generally does not allow work for a UK organisation or work as a self-employed person. There are limited permitted activities and specific provisions for certain paid engagements, so the proposed activity should be checked before travel.

Can I apply after a previous refusal?

Yes, but the refusal reasons should be reviewed before deciding whether and how to apply again. A fresh application should deal directly with the earlier concerns and avoid inconsistencies.

Can I make repeated or long visits?

A visitor must not use frequent or successive visits to make the UK their main home. Travel patterns, the length of each stay and the visitor’s continuing circumstances outside the UK can all be relevant.

General guidance

This page provides general introductory information, not advice on an individual matter. Immigration requirements and Home Office practice can change. Please contact the team for advice on your circumstances.

Enquiry options

Choose a clearer
starting point.

Use the guided enquiry form to tell us the broad area where you need help. Please share only brief details and do not send confidential documents.

Choose a starting point Northbridge Immigration: 020 3337 6115